Myanmar president meets ethnic rebel leader in peace push
YANGON (Reuters) – Myanmar President Thein Sein held a surprise meeting with apowerful armed group representing the ethnic Wa minority on Friday as the government tries to convince an array of rebel groups to sign a ceasefire, a group spokesman said on…
Europe and U.S. keep watchful eye on Israel’s legislative plans
JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Benjamin Netanyahu’s formation of one of the most right-wing government in Israel’s history has fueled concerns in Europe and the United States about further settlement building and dimming prospects for peace.
Two Ukrainian serviceman killed, 26 wounded in past 24 hours: Ukrainian military
KIEV (Reuters) – Two Ukrainian servicemen were killed and 26 wounded in separatist eastern territories over the past 24 hours, Ukraine’s military said on Friday, as attacks continued despite a ceasefire.
Experts question data behind Indonesian president’s war on drugs
JAKARTA (Reuters) – Indonesia has executed 14 drug traffickers this year as part of President Joko Widodo’s war on a “narcotics emergency” he says is killing at least 40 people a day, but researchers have questioned the reliability of the study that pr…
Ukraine remembers WW2 with Europe rather than Russia
KIEV (Reuters) – For the first time in 70 years, Ukraine on Friday joined most of Europe in marking the end of the World War Two a day ahead of Russia, which it accused of exploiting the anniversary to display its military might.
Greek prime minister optimistic of EU deal ‘soon’
ATHENS (Reuters) – Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras expressed optimism on Friday that Athens would soon reach a deal with its foreign lenders that will unlock further aid under its EU/IMF bailout.
Japan, Philippines to hold first naval drill in South China Sea: sources
TOKYO/MANILA (Reuters) – Japan and the Philippines will hold their first joint naval drill this month in the South China Sea near a disputed shoal claimed by Beijing, sources in Tokyo and the Philippines said.
Bay of Bengal people smuggling doubles in 2015: UNHCR
GENEVA (Reuters) – An estimated 25,000 Rohingyas and Bangladeshis boarded people smugglers’ boats in the first three months of this year, twice as many in the same months of 2014, the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR said in a statement on Friday.
North Korea warns of ‘targeted strikes’ against South’s navy
SEOUL (Reuters) – North Korea’s military warned on Friday of “unannounced targeted strikes” against South Korea’s navy, accusing the South of violating its territorial waters off the peninsula’s west coast, the scene of deadly naval clashes in the past…
Guinea opposition leader pulls out of meeting president after protests
CONAKRY (Reuters) – Guinea’s opposition leader pulled out of a meeting with President Alpha Conde on Friday aimed at resolving a political standoff over the timing of elections, following a day of violent protests in the capital.
